transcription factor

noun

: any of various proteins that bind to DNA and play a role in the regulation of gene expression by promoting transcription

Examples of transcription factor in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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The original process involved a set of four genes that code for proteins called transcription factors. Michael Irving, New Atlas, 14 Mar. 2025 Understanding how ancient transcription factors drive pluripotency could lead to novel approaches in regenerative medicine. Scott Travers, Forbes, 11 Dec. 2024 Central to this feat was the discovery of two transcription factors—Sox and POU—within the choanoflagellate genome. Scott Travers, Forbes, 11 Dec. 2024 There’s always another gene or transcription factor involved. Laura Helmuth, Scientific American, 24 Oct. 2024 See All Example Sentences for transcription factor

Word History

First Known Use

1969, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of transcription factor was in 1969

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Cite this Entry

“Transcription factor.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/transcription%20factor. Accessed 25 Mar. 2025.

Medical Definition

transcription factor

noun
: any of various proteins that bind to DNA and play a role in the regulation of gene expression by promoting transcription

More from Merriam-Webster on transcription factor

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